Diamond in the Back

Ludacris · Chicken and Beer [2003]

Gangsta whitewalls, TV antennas in the back (the back, the back...)



[Chorus]

I wanna (diamond in the back)

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

And I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)



diamond in the, diamond in the, diamond in the...



[Verse 1]

It's hard growin' up lookin' at drug dealers wit' all this paper

Wonderin' how I can get me some

My family's strugglin', I'm buggin', sittin' on my porch

So confused, chewin' on some bubblegum

I was always taught to use my manners with the misses

But please, stay away from the hoes and snithes

And I was always reached for the sky, I dont know why

Ima little bitty kid wit' a whole buncha gangsta wishes

When I grow up, you just wait, Ima be so straight

And everything's gonna be so marvelous

No more borrowin' from the neighbors, no more haters

No more blowin' Nintendo cartridges

Ima have it made in the shade, Ima be so paid

And my fam, get 'em off that payin' them bills

Matta fact Im schemin' my way on up out this hood, I'll be good

When I ditch these trainin' wheels



[Chorus]

Diamond in the back

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' in the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' in the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

And I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' in the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' in the scene with a gangsta lean)



Diamond in the, diamond in the, diamond in the...



[Verse 2]

I'm sick and tired of ridin' public transportation

Been patient waitin' on my set of wheels

I'm willin' to do what it takes, whatever the stakes

In order to get myself some dollar bills

It's too many holes in my socks, and I'm ready to box

Anyone tellin' me I need better shoes

And I aint the only one trippin', or makin a fuss

My older cousin need some cheddar too

He thinkin' 'bout comin' up on the lick, to get it quick

It involves that local corner store

I overheard him say he knew who works there

And whatever they do, dont let the owner know

I hope he come back with enough to let me borrow some change

At least for the summer

And if he dont let me borrow nothin, but ask me what I want

Ima tell him I wanna...



[Chorus]

Diamond in the back

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

Could use a (sunroof top)

Sho' wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

I wanna (sunroof top)

Sho' wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)



Diamond in the, diamond in the, diamond in the...



[Verse 3]

Why cant I walk with a limp mama? wont be no drama

For goodness sakes, Im just a kid

Had to get my whoopin' in fo's, I was just a po'

Like there no remorse for what I did

Gotta learn the hard way, when runnin' them streets

How some just creep, really just to eat a meal

"I coulda swore it was mine," what I used to tell the po-pos

What I left to rob and steal

Man, I gotta earn for a livin', aint nobody givin' me nothin'

Find somethin' I love to do

Hmm, what about that pimpin'? It's good tippin'

Tax free, and I know a lot of people that love to screw

Yeah, it's just a way of the world, with boys and girls

I'm adjustin' to my environment

This government cheatin' us, so I'll cheat 'em back

Why cant work feel like retirement?



[Chorus]

Diamond in the back

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

Could use a (sunroof top)

Sho' wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wish I had a (diamond in the back)

I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)

I wanna (diamond in the back)

And I wanna (sunroof top)

I wanna (diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean)



Gangsta, gangsta, gangsta...

Diamond in the Back

Released in 2003 on the album Chicken and Beer, "Diamond in the Back" stands as a defining track in Ludacris's early career. This recording exemplifies the Southern hip-hop sound that characterized his debut era, blending raw energy with the distinct flow that would become his signature. The song serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Atlanta scene during the early 2000s, featuring production that prioritizes groove and attitude over polished perfection. As part of his broader discography, the track highlights Ludacris's ability to deliver high-impact performances that resonated with audiences seeking authentic street narratives. Its enduring presence in his catalog underscores its role in establishing his reputation as a dominant force in contemporary rap music.